security issues regarding data transfer network communication...security issues regarding data...

ICT Theory – Revision Presentation - Networks Issues and Communciation

4.2 Network Issues and Communication

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• Security issues regarding data transfer

• Network communication



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Security Issues

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Hackers

Viruses Spyware

PhishingPharming

Should the internet be policed?

Advantages Disadvantages

• To protect vulnerable users gaining access to undesirable websites.

• To prevent illegal material (software, videos) be openly posted and shared by web users.

• To bring to justice those users who continually misuse the internet for their personal gain.

• It would be extremely difficult and expensive to police the internet.

• Infrastructure including staff and officeswould have to be required.

• Would be difficult to enforce different rules in different countries.

• Could go against freedom of speech.

How can hackers effect your network and data?

Introduce of viruses & spyware to the Network.

Threat to Data:• Data could be deleted, edited, corrupted or be replicated.• Data could be sold or passed on to other people.

Threat to Network:• Network may have to be shut down to quarantine virus.• This could stop production and cost an organisation a lot of

money.



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Passwords are a method of

authentication.

Disadvantages Avoiding password interception

• Passwords can be guessed especially if they are simple.

• Passwords may be seen by others.

• Passwords can be stolen and used by other people.

• Spyware could be used to logs key presses to get passwords.

• Passwords can be hacked by using password generating software.

• Set strong passwords which include multiple characters such letters and numbers.

• Ensure password is regularly changed.

• Avoid using the same passwords for all of your accounts.

• Install spyware software which will block the installation of any key logging software.

User Name & Passwords: Methods of Authentication (Network Security)

Authentication techniques are used to ensure only authorised users are able gain access to a Network via User Names/Passwords, Biometrics, Swipe Cards, TAN, Two Factor authenticationetc.



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User Name & Passwords: Methods of Authentication (Network Security)

Setting a strong Password: • Use at least 8 characters• Includes letters and numbers• Avoid using names or words which could be easily guessed.• Use upper and lower case letters.

When users log onto to their online accounts they may also be asked for additional information to verify their accounts.

Security Question: • Users may be asked to answer security questions related to their

account.• Typical questions includes mothers maiden name.

Personal Image: • QNB (Qatar National Bank) require users to identify an image when

they log in on the website for online banking. .• Users will have to confirm if the image shown is one they selected as

their account image.



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Alternatives Methods of Authentication (Network Security)

Device Overview/Advantages

Biometrics• Finger Prints• Retina Scan • Iris Scans • Face Scans• Vocal Recognition

• Biometrics use unique data.• Only the person with the biometric features can access the

network.• Can not copy/replicate biometric data

Magnetic Swipe Cards

• Swipe cards are used to gain access to the system by swiping the card into the reader.

• Swipe cards are quite easy to use and update. • Could also be used to gain entry into a room (hotel room).

Transaction authentication number (TAN)

• TAN is used by online banking services.• User will insert their bank card into the TAN reader which will

then provide a code which will need to be entered to complete a transaction.

Two factor authentication

• Two Factor Authentication involves the user typing in their password and then typing in a code.

• The code is sent to the registered phone number of the account as a text.

• If an unauthorised attempt is made to log into an account then the text message will alert the user.



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Security issues regarding data transfer: Viruses & Spyware

A computer virus is a piece of programming code/software which can install and replicate it self on to a computer system without the user’s permission. A computer virus can cause the following problems.

1. Causes the computer to crash – become slower2. Sometimes files can be deleted – leads to computer malfunction. 3. Data files can be copied by the hacker or the files could be corrupted. 4. Could stop production until the virus has been quarantined.

Installing anti virus and spyware software and the use of a firewall is not enough to keep your computer safe. You also need to pay attention to the following points.

• Do not download any files from untrusted sources including email attachments.• Do not install illegal software onto your computer. • Do not click on links from unknown websites.• Do not connect storage devices (e.g. USB) from unknown sources. • Ensure virus software is up to date and virus definitions are regularly updated.

Spyware gathers data from computers without the user knowing. Spyware could monitor key presses to gain personal information or passwords. This information would be sent back to the hacker.



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Security issues regarding data transfer: Firewall

Monitors and controls incoming and outgoing data traffic.

Helps to prevent malware (viruses) getting into computer/from the internet

Prevents computer accessing undesirable/unauthorised sites

Warns you regarding threats/allows you to accept/reject downloaded programs

Keeps a list of undesirable sites/IP addressesKeeps a list of acceptable sites/IP addresses

Prevents unauthorised computers using the internet accessing the computer



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Encryption

Disadvantages

• Data can still be deleted from system• Criminals can use encryption to keep incriminating material secure

Encryption is the process of converting information into a form that is meaningless to anyone except holders of a ‘key’.

1. Data is scrambled up (Data is Encrypted).

2. If the data is intercepted it then it prevents people from understanding and reading the data.

3. The person with the key is able to Decrypt and understand the data.



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Proxy Server

Server passes on requests to the InternetPasses the requested web pages to individual computers

Can be used to monitor Internet usage

Can cache/store the webpages

Can block certain sites

Can act as a buffer (between Internet and LAN)

Can act as a web server



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Security issues regarding data transfer: Data Protection Act

Data protection Act applies to paper based or electronic forms of data stored on a computer.The data protection act is to protect rights of the individual who the data is obtained from.

Web based business such as Amazon or Ebay store sensitive data about customers includingpayment details. They would have to abide by the data protection act to keep the data secure.

Principles of the Data Protection Act

1. Data must be fairly and lawfully processed.

2. Data can only be processed for the stated purpose.

3. Data must be adequate, relevant and not excessive.

4. Data must be accurate.

5. Data must not be kept longer than necessary.

6. Data must be processed in accordance with the data subject rights.

7. Data must be kept secure.

8. Data must not be transferred to another country unless they have

adequate protection.



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Network communication

Type of Communication

Overview/Advantages Disadvantage

Physical Faxing • Requires a fax machine and a telephone line. • Number of the recipient dialled before the

document is copied and sent.• Physical documents are printed and can be

signed.

• Anyone can access faxed documents.

• The fax may be out of paper or ink (toner).

• No notification of fax received.

Email Communication

• Can send multiple attachments.• Can send to multiple recipients in one

message.• Emails can be received instantly and accessed

on many platforms including tablets and phones.

• Email attachments may include viruses.

• May receive spam (unwanted mail).

• May receive phishing (scam) emails to obtain personal data.

Electronic Faxing • Electronic Fax is sent via a internet connection. • No need to buy a fax machine, ink or paper.• Electronic Fax documents are sent to an email which will ensure the correct person

will receive the fax – less chance of document being intercepted.• Electronic Fax's can also be sent directly to a fax machine.• Send fax's from any location with an internet connection.• No additional cost to send fax over internet network.



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Advantages and Disadvantages of using email compared with faxing

Fax Email

Advantages • Documents can be signed which are legally accepted.

• Physical copies of documents can be sent and automatically printed.

• Emails are password protected so less likely chance of data being intercepted.

• Emails can be received instantly. • Attachments can be edited and sent back.• Can send to many recipients at the same

time.

Disadvantages • Data is more likely to be intercepted once it is printed from the fax machine.

• There could be delays in receiving the fax due to a busy telephone line or lack of paper or ink.

• Fax can only be received during office hours.

• Not everyone has a fax machine.

• Cant be used when documents need to be signed.

• Viruses can be download from attachments.

• Unwanted emails could be received (Phishing/Spam).



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Type of Communication Overview Hardware

VideoConferencing

• Video conferencing uses both video and soundusing an internet connection.

• It can be used to have business meeting when people are in different locations.

• Web Camera

• Screen/Monitor

• Speaker

• Microphone

Advantages • No need to travel to have meetings which would cut down on travelling costs (including flights and hotel) and travelling time.

• Video conference can be held at short notice.• Facilitates long distance learning – students can access live

lectures without travelling.

Disadvantages • Technical problems with the internet or hardware could effect the quality of the video conference.

• Set up costs to purchase hardware/software and to provide relevant training to staff.

• Lack of personal contact you would have if it was a face to face meeting.

• Different time zones could make it difficult to find to find a suitable time to have a meeting.

• Not possible to sign documents.



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Type of Communication Overview Hardware

Audio-Conferencing

Audio conference can be done over the telephone network or using a computer making use of VOIP.

1. The organiser of the phone conference is given a unique Pin which can be shared participants.

2. For Participants to join they have to dial the conference phone number.

3. Then they would have to enter a PIN.

• Telephone

VOIP• Microphone• Speakers

Web-Conferencing

• Web conference can be done using internet connection.

• It is very similar to video conference as participants can hear audio and see a live video stream.

• Participants can join the web conference by clicking on the supplied link from the organiser.

• Participants can join and leave the web conference at any time.

• Instant messaging (IM) feature is available to communicate with other participants.

• Participants can be given permission to speak and can share content such as images, video or presentations.

• Same as video conferencing.

• Keyboard could be use for IM.